At AVLF, our staff commits each and every day to bringing equal justice to all Atlantans.
We’re attorneys, fundraisers, social workers, activists, artists, accountants, and more. Some of us are transplants, and some of us are Atlanta natives. We’re all here to provide top-notch legal and social assistance to Atlanta families when they need it most.
Safe & Stable Homes Project
Co-Director, Safe and Stable Homes Project
Ayanna is a staff attorney with AVLF’s Standing with Our Neighbors Program. She works primarily in the Carver Cluster, working in Thomasville Heights Elementary School, Slater Elementary School, and Price Middle School.
Ayanna obtained her B.A. in history from Clark Atlanta University. After obtaining her degree, she worked in education for the next four years. Ayanna attended Emory University School of Law before working for the nonprofit Georgia Legal Services Program for seven years. In that position, she worked closely with low-income communities in North Georgia and tackled unemployment, public benefits, subsidized housing, domestic violence, and elder care.
Co-Director, Safe and Stable Homes Project
Cole serves as the co-director of AVLF’s Safe and Stable Homes Project. He supervises the Saturday Lawyer Program and the Eviction Defense Program.
Cole grew up in the upper-middle-class area of Bergen County, New Jersey, but his family struggled financially. In 1993, when Cole was sixteen years old, the bank foreclosed on the house he grew up in, and Cole and his family had to move to another town. Cole attended Williams College, where he worked in the dining hall for four years, serving food to and cleaning up after his wealthier classmates. During those years, Cole grew troubled by the stark class differences around him. After graduating magna cum laude from Williams, Cole worked in food service, in a vet’s office, and for a lawyer before deciding to apply to law school.
At Northeastern University School of Law, Cole was an active member of the LGBTQ community in Boston and on campus. Spurred by his experiences and observations of inequality and injustice, Cole decided to use his law degree to protect society’s most vulnerable. From 2005 until 2009, Cole worked for Lambda Legal, helping transgender people across the country stand up for their rights in court. After that, Cole followed his heart to serve people living in poverty – first in a rural setting through Georgia Legal Services Program, and, since 2014, in Atlanta through his work at AVLF.
Cole believes that knowledge is power; that small acts of kindness make a big difference; and that we must strive for our vision of liberation, even when it feels unattainable. He shares his home with his husband and a friendly pack of rescue dogs and cats.
Paralegal, Safe and Stable Homes Project
As the intake paralegal for AVLF’s Safe and Stable Homes Project, Kenisha serves as the first point of contact for those facing eviction, landlord/tenant, and wage claim issues.
Kenisha received her start in the legal profession in 2006 with Legal Services of the Virgin Islands before joining Atlanta Legal Aid Society in 2008. Kenisha has been part of the AVLF staff since August 2012. She majored in Legal Studies at Kaplan University.
Community Advocate, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Nikki is a Community Advocate with AVLF’s Standing With Our Neighbors program. She serves the NPU-V area and is based out of Gideons Elementary School, Dunbar Elementary School, and Barack and Michelle Obama Academy.
Nikki developed a strong sense of devotion to the nonprofit sector while working in an educational setting. The experience ignited her passion for helping children and families improve their lives.
As an “army brat,” Nikki was born in Germany and moved to Atlanta in 1997. She received a B.A. from Clayton State University. In her free time, Nikki enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Managing Attorney, Housing Court Assistance Center
As the Housing Court Assistance Center’s (HCAC) Managing Attorney, Cassandre administers and oversees the day-to-day operations of HCAC, and provides limited legal representation or legal advice to tenants facing eviction and other landlord tenant disputes. At the HCAC, tenants can get immediate advice about the eviction process. HCAC provides tenants with the knowledge and resources they need to advocate for themselves throughout the eviction process
Prior to joining AVLF, Cassandre worked as an immigration attorney at Catholic Legal Services in Miami, Florida. She counseled and represented clients in numerous immigration proceedings such as Asylum, VAWA, and Humanitarian Parole. In addition, Cassandre dedicated her expertise to assist hundreds of Haitian immigrants apply for Temporary Protective Status in the United States after the assassination of Haiti’s president and the country’s deteriorating political crisis, violence, and a staggering increase in human rights abuses.
Before practicing at Catholic Legal Services, Cassandre worked at Georgia Legal Services Program. In that position, Cassandre worked as the Eviction Prevention Project staff attorney and defended low-income tenants in eviction actions and other civil matters.
She received her J.D. from Appalachian School of Law, her M.S. in Public Administration from Clark Atlanta University, and her B.S. in Paralegal Studies from Nova Southeastern University. Cassandre was born and raised in Montreal, Canada to Haitian parents. She is fluent in French and Haitian Creole. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, hiking, and traveling.
Volunteer Engagement Manager, Safe and Stable Homes Project
Susan grew up in rural Illinois and earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University. She moved to Atlanta in 2011 to serve a year with a national service corps and has since worked with a number of local nonprofits to support volunteer engagement. Susan gained her certification in volunteer administration in 2017 and remains current with the designation and active in the volunteer engagement professionals community.
Susan lives in the Little Five Points area with her husband and two young children and enjoys exploring all that the city has to offer.
Community Advocate, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Shameka is a Community Advocate for AVLF’s Standing with Our Neighbors program. She serves the neighborhoods of Atlanta’s westside and is based out of Hollis Innovation Academy.
Born and raised in west Atlanta, Shameka has worked in social services for a decade. She also previously taught preschool for nine years. She received her B.A. from Fort Valley State University. When she’s not helping families in Vine City, English Avenue, and Ashview Heights, you can find Shameka trying new restaurants and working on Pinterest projects.
Staff Attorney, Safe and Stable Homes Project
Crystal Redd is a Staff Attorney at the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. She works across the Safe and Stable Homes Project, providing individual representation in landlord-tenant, eviction defense, and wage cases, supporting the work of the SWON community-based sites, and consulting volunteer attorneys on legal matters. Additionally, she focuses on special initiatives and larger-impact efforts to promote affordable housing and anti-displacement measures in metro Atlanta. Prior to joining AVLF, Crystal was a staff attorney and capital investigator at the Southern Center for Human Rights and an educator in Atlanta Public Schools. She attended Harvard Law School.
Paralegal, Safe and Stable Homes Project
Christan is AVLF’s newest Safe & Stable Homes paralegal. In this role, she is tackling issues that incubate systemic poverty in Atlanta.
Christan has lived in Atlanta for 13 years and currently calls Vine City home. She brings almost 10 years of paralegal experience to this role, along with a wealth of community service work with organizations such as Care, Hands on Atlanta, and the Empowerment Council. On the weekends, you’ll find Christan at a food drive, community clean-up, or at a workshop to help organize Atlanta’s communities. She also enjoys writing poetry, taking Afrikan Martial Arts classes, traveling, and relaxing with friends.
Staff Attorney, Standing with Our Neighbors
Desni Scaife is a Staff Attorney with the Standing With Our Neighbors program. She is based in the Carver neighborhood and works primarily in Thomasville Heights elementary, Slater elementary, Price Middle School, and The New Schools at Carver/ Carver STEAM Academy.
Desni provides individual representation in landlord-tenant cases and eviction defense, engages in community lawyering, and assists pro bono volunteer attorneys.
Prior to joining AVLF, Desni was an Assistant Solicitor General in DeKalb County. She attended Southern University Law Center.
Safe and Stable Homes Administrative Assistant
LeRoya Scott has worked as a Nonprofit Assistant providing administrative, clerical, and event coordinating support for various nonprofit agencies. Ms. Scott was born and raised in Rhode Island and has enjoyed living in Atlanta for over 23 years. She is a graduate of Rhode Island College (B.A.), Community College of Rhode Island (A.A.). And received a Certificate of Completion in Trademark Practice from the Patent Institute of Training (Atlanta), completed courses in Business Administration at Georgia State University, Davenport University, and attended numerous workshops to increase her skills in Philanthropy and Community Relations.
Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. formerly employed her as an Administrative Assistant/Office Manager. And has completed a Sports/Entertainment Philanthropy Internship with The Giving Back Fund, a nonprofit management organization for Athletes, Entertainers, and Business Leaders, and worked as a Development Assistant prospecting leads and drafting grant and sponsorship applications with Successful Smiles of Texas; H.O.P.E., Inc. (Helping Other People be Empowered); Flying Change Equine Therapy nonprofit organizations. She also completed long-term temporary assignments as an Administrative Assistant for World Airways Airlines and Cooper Lighting.
Ms. Scott’s tenure includes Peachtree City Recreation/Special Events, Advisory Board Member, and Young Nonprofits Professional Network (YNPN) Finance/Fundraising Committee Member, including (YNPN’s) Atlanta Leadership Team. She has volunteered with local organizations to support her community, including Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc., Evander Holyfield Foundation, Tech Bridge, the Atlanta Falcons’ Community Relations/Youth Programs, Kids & Pros, Inc., Chick-fil-A Leadercast Convention, Peachtree City Classic, and Diva’s Running Series Marathons. Other community efforts involve participating as a panelist for “One Peachtree City,” a roundtable discussion panel providing input for county-related issues facing the community.
LeRoya expresses her love and devotion to her parents, brother, and sisters, a host of nieces and nephews, and the family’s pet dogs, Point Dexter and Prince Charming. Additionally, along with her family and friends, she enthusiastically supports military families overseas by collecting and donating to “Coupons to Troops.” In her free time, she enjoys playing Pickleball (a combination sport of table tennis, badminton, and tennis), bowling, and practicing her golf swing (on the driving range).
Paralegal, Housing Court Assistance Center
Angela works in the Safe and Stable Home Project as the Housing Court Assistance Center’s (HCAC) paralegal. Born in Savannah, Georgia, Angela started her legal career in 1999 as a receptionist for former part-time Fulton County Magistrate Court Judge Louis Levenson’s private practice of Levenson & Associates, from there Angela has worked as a legal assistant for various firms in the Metro Atlanta Area.
Angela received her Associates degree in paralegal studies from Georgia Piedmont Technical College and her Bachelor’s degree in Administrative Management concentration in Criminal Justice from Clayton State University. Angela is a member of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Atlanta Paralegal Association (APA) and Georgia Association of Paralegals (GAP)
In her spare time Angela loves, cooking, journaling, photography, playing with her drone, movies, and traveling with her family especially going to the beach. Angela collects lighthouses.
Staff Attorney, Saturday Lawyer Program
Erica is the staff attorney for the Saturday Lawyer Program, AVLF’s flagship program. She spends her days recruiting and supporting volunteer attorneys who represent clients with wage and housing claims.
Previously, Erica was an associate attorney at Thompson, Sweeny, Kinsinger & Pereira, P.C. in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Erica brings a wealth of experience to the position, as she previously practiced in probate law, estate law, elder law, family law, real estate law, zoning law, and local government. In addition to her legal work, she interned at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Education, investigating discrimination claims. Erica holds a B.S. in psychology from Oglethorpe University and a J.D. from Mercer University.
Staff Attorney, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Lauren is a staff attorney with AVLF’s Standing With Our Neighbors program. She is based in the neighborhoods of NPU-V and works primarily in Gideon’s Elementary School, Dunbar Elementary, and Barack and Michelle Obama Academy.
Lauren previously worked at Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins LLP and R. Gary Spencer, P.C. She received her J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law where she was an active participant in various student organizations. Prior to practicing law, Lauren participated in the Teach for America 2010 Corps where she taught English, step, and dance.
When she is not working, Lauren enjoys visiting museums and participating in dance classes.
Community Advocate, Standing with Our Neighbors®
Nekesha usually goes by Kesha. She’s a Community Advocate for AVLF’s Standing With Our Neighbors Program based in Slater Elementary and Price Middle School. This is part of AVLF’s focus within Atlanta Public Schools’ Carver Cluster.
Previously a family advocate at an early childhood education center, Kesha worked with families experiencing homelessness to find resources that lead to family stability: jobs, legal help, childcare, certification programs, health clinics, and, of course, housing. Originally a native of southern California, she moved to Georgia in 2009 to pursue a degree in criminal justice and sociology from Clark Atlanta University. While juggling school, Kesha also ran cross country and track. She also holds a Masters in Social Work from Georgia State University.
Safe & Stable Families Project
Director, Safe and Stable Families Project
Jamie is the director of the Safe and Stable Families Project, which assists survivors of intimate partner abuse through its Safe Families Office/Intimate Partner Abuse, Family Law, Standing with Survivors Mobile Advocacy, and Social Work programs. The Project also serves low-income families in contested custody disputes through its Guardian ad Litem program.
Jamie currently serves as a Member-at-Large on the State Bar of Georgia’s Family Law Section Executive Committee and as an Advisor on the State Bar’s Access to Justice Committee. Sher recently served on the Board of Directors for Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and as the Co-Chair of the Fulton County Family Violence Task Force.
Prior to joining AVLF, Jamie practiced family law at Holland Roddenbery LLC. She obtained her JD from the University of Georgia School of Law, where she served on the Georgia Law Review. She received her BS in journalism from Ohio University. She went on to work in sports marketing for four years before attending law school.
Jamie is an active member of the Atlanta Bar Association and State Bar of Georgia and has been recognized for her contributions to the legal profession and survivors of intimate partner abuse. Jamie is the recipient of the 2017 Family First Award from the Atlanta Bar Association Family Law Section, the 2017 Kurt Kegel Memorial Scholarship from the State Bar of Georgia Family Law Section, and the 2015 Kerry Harike Joedecke Atlanta Lawyer of the Year award from the Atlanta Council of Younger Lawyers.
Staff Attorney, Safe Families Office
Christen is an attorney licensed to practice in Georgia and New York, and serves as Staff Attorney for the Intimate Partner Abuse Program in the Safe Families Office. She is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the New York State Bar Association, the Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia, and Georgia Lawyers for the Arts. Christen is also proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the University of Maryland Alumni Association (Atlanta Chapter).
Even before joining the Safe and Stable Families team, Christen was drawn to AVLF and its mission. Christen has acted as a pro bono Guardian ad Litem, a volunteer attorney for survivors of intimate partner violence, and volunteer counsel for the Saturday Lawyer Program since 2017.
Christen earned her J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law where she was elected Class President. She enjoyed participating in Moot Court and was named the winner of two intraschool competitions. She competed in national competitions for Client Counseling and Mediation.
Prior to law school, Christen received her M.Ed., magna cum laude, in Community Development Action from Vanderbilt University. Her concentration was expanding fresh food sources in underserved urban neighborhoods in an effort to build healthier communities. Christen graduated from the University of Maryland, summa cum laude, where she earned a B.A. in Criminology and Psychology. She held the highest GPA in her class and received the Peter P. Lejins Award for Academic Excellence.
Outside of work, Christen enjoys writing, exploring nature, cheering on her sports teams, and spending time with family, friends, and furbabies.
Managing Attorney, Family Law Program
Audrey Bergeson is the Managing Attorney for the Family Law Program. The Family Law Program serves survivors of domestic violence, who have been assisted by the Safe Families Office, with their long-term family law legal needs. As the Family Law Program Staff Attorney, Audrey manages the program, provides direct client representation, and pairs clients with experienced family law attorney volunteers.
Prior to joining AVLF, Audrey practiced family law as an associate with Smith & Lake, LLC. Before practicing with Smith & Lake, Audrey was the 2013-2015 Hunton & Williams (now Hunton, Andrews, Kurth) Pro Bono Fellow, where she provided pro bono legal services to clients and served on the pro bono committee. Audrey is an honors graduate of Emory University School of Law, where she received the Custer Tuggle Award of Excellence in Family Law, and she received her B.A. with honors from the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Audrey serves on the Board of Directors for the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia. She is a 2018 and 2021 recipient of the YLD Service to the Profession Award and the 2017 recipient of the YLD Service to the Community Award. Audrey was recently reappointed by the State Bar President to the State Bar’s Committee on Children and the Courts and the Committee on Delivery of Legal Services in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic. Audrey is a member of the Young Lawyers Division’s Family Law Committee as well as the Atlanta Bar Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Gate City Bar Association, and Stonewall Bar Association.
Paralegal, Standing with Survivors Program
Cori is the Standing with Survivors paralegal. She was born and raised north of Atlanta in Gwinnett County, but fell in love with the city when she moved to attend college at Georgia State University. She graduated from Georgia State University with her B.A in Psychology in 2019 and her Master of Social Work in 2021. She is passionate about community partnerships, creative solutions and creating sustainable social change. She has a background in program creation and development and community partnerships. In her free time she enjoys cooking new recipes, playing board games and exploring local thrift stores.
Staff Attorney, Standing with Survivors
Daysha Brown is a Georgia licensed attorney and serves as the Staff Attorney for AVLF’s Standing with Survivors team. Prior to working for AVLF, Daysha assisted clients with divorce, custody, and guardianship proceedings. She is experienced in handling family law litigation matters from start to finish. Daysha has garnered the ability to effectively represent her clients while providing them with a sense of assurance and consistency. She highly values giving in-depth representation in the most cost-effective way. Clients can always count on Daysha to provide transparency and honesty throughout the litigation process.
Daysha earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law where she served as an Assistant Managing Editor for the Journal of Law and Religion and Finance Chair/Treasurer for the Black Law Students Association and the Sports and Entertainment Law Society.
While in law school she received the Emory Summer Child Advocacy Program Grant and the Gate City Bar Summer Associate Scholarship. She also interned with Georgia CASA as well as Thomas, Kennedy, Sampson, & Tompkins as a summer associate. Daysha rounded up her law school career by externing with AVLF in the Safe Families office, where assisted clients involved in domestic violence with receiving protective orders.
Prior to earning her J.D., Daysha earned her B.A. (Summa Cum Laude) in Political Science with a minor in History from the University of Texas at El Paso. What you may not know about Daysha is that she was raised in Natchez, MS, a Dog Mom, a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem, a beginning aerial artist, and loves to cook!
Staff Attorney, Family Law Program
John Brumfield is the Staff Attorney with the Family Law Program who provides full legal representation to survivors of intimate partner abuse, with any additional legal matters involving domestic relations.
Prior to joining AVLF, John operated his own general law practice, representing clients in matters of business formation, contracts, personal injury, worker’s compensation, and domestic relations. John’s belief in AVLF’s mission of service to others is evident from his prior volunteer experience during his time in law school, including with the Safe Families Office, the Georgia Law Center for the Homeless, AVLF’s Saturday Lawyer Program, and as a volunteer with Gideon’s Promise.
John is described by his peers and colleagues as a fierce litigator who provides passionate advocacy, exemplifying honesty and empathy, in a tireless pursuit of justice for those he represents. John has long been called to the service of those in need; and wholeheartedly believes in fighting for the voices of those who have historically remained unheard within the justice system. He considers it is an honor to act as counsel and compassionate guide, helping those in need navigate the complex litigation process.
John received his Juris Doctor from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, where he served as an editor on its law journal, achieved a clerkship with Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jane C. Barwick in the Family Law Division, competed in national tournaments for mock trial and intraschool competitions for moot court, served as a member of the law school’s Student Government Association, and established John Marshall’s first student-chapter of the National Lawyers’ Guild, serving as the organization’s founding Executive Director.
Prior to law school, John matriculated at Kennesaw State University and Florida State University, graduating Cum Laude from both universities, earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science & Legal Studies, and an associate degree in International Relations and Global Affairs, respectively. While finishing his undergraduate career, John also earned a certification in Alternative Dispute Resolution, becoming a licensed mediator through the Georgia Office on Dispute Resolution.
In his free time, John enjoys traveling, exploring the trails of Georgia’s national recreation areas and nature preserves, kayaking along the Chattahoochee, cooking, indulging in cinema, and spending quality time with his loved ones.
Managing Attorney, Safe Families Office
As the Safe and Stable Families Managing Staff Attorney, Joel focuses on offering assistance and representation to survivors of domestic violence. He also manages the Safe Families Office within the Fulton County Courthouse, a walk-in clinic that is co-run with the Partnership Against Domestic Violence.
Prior to joining AVLF, Joel was the Supervising Staff Attorney at the Georgia Law Center for the Homeless. There he oversaw the organization’s legal program and provided representation to individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless or who were already experiencing homelessness. He provided counsel in numerous areas, including landlord-tenant law, family law, disability law, and wage and labor disputes.
He received his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law and his B.A. in International Studies and French from Berry College. Joel is a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, and is fluent in Spanish and French.
Volunteer Engagement Manager, Safe and Stable Families Project
Lilli is the volunteer engagement manager for the Safe and Stable Families project, meaning that she is responsible for recruiting and training prospective volunteers, and she is the first point of contact for all volunteers with SSF. She particularly enjoys the opportunity to teach people about the dynamics and prevalence of intimate partner abuse- it makes her day to see volunteers passionately advocate for her clients in Court. She lives in East Atlanta Village with her husband and young son (along with a few animals), and in her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading.
Safe Families Office Administrator
Legal Assistant, Safe and Stable Families Project
Sharlena is a native of Colorado. She originally attended Metropolitan College of Denver and is now pursuing a degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University. Having lived in Georgia since 2013, she first became involved with AVLF as a paralegal volunteer with the Saturday Lawyer Program. When not assisting clients, Sharlena enjoys going to the movies and cooking.
Program Manager, Social Work and Advocacy Program
Kenya is the Program Manager for our Social Work and Advocacy program, providing resources and support to survivors of intimate partner abuse. She has over 15 years of experience in advocating for individuals, children, and families. Prior to joining AVLF, Kenya was a victim advocate with the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office and assisted victims navigate the criminal justice system. She also has extensive experience a working as a Social Worker with the Division of Family and Children Services in Georgia and North Carolina.
Kenya received her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia. She is a National Credentialed Advocate and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Kenya is a native of Georgia and a true Georgia peach! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, thrifting, and DIY projects.
Paralegal, Safe Families Office
Rackaya is originally from the United Kingdom and moved to Georgia in 2015. She graduated from Clayton State University where she obtained an A.A.S and certification in Paralegal Studies. Rackaya has worked in various legal and administrative capacities and is passionate about assisting clients navigate the legal system, especially those who are unaware of their rights and the resources available to them. In her spare time, you can find her spending time with her family and trying new restaurants.
Social Worker, Safe and Stable Families Project
Mary is a social worker in the Safe Families Office, connecting survivors of intimate partner violence with resources and support after they obtain a temporary protective order.
Before moving to Atlanta and joining AVLF, Mary graduated with a Master’s in Social Work and Master’s in Public Health from the University of North Carolina. She is dedicated to working against gender-based violence and supporting survivors, and has worked in violence prevention education, program planning and evaluation, and hotline advocacy. In her spare time, she bakes pies and plays drums.
Program Manager, Standing with Survivors Program
Cynthia is the Program Manager for our Standing with Survivors program. Cynthia connects with our Standing with Our Neighbors program to bring resources and relief to those dealing with intimate partner abuse who haven’t made it to the Safe Families Office. Cynthia identifies and creates new outreach and training opportunities with law enforcement, landlords, schools and other partners in the community.
Cynthia graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University in 2008. She also received an M.S. in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University in 2011. Cynthia has a strong background assisting survivors as they navigate the courthouse. She has worked in just about every courtroom in Fulton County as a Victim/Witness Advocate in the District Attorney’s Office and serving as a Judicial Case Manager for a Senior Judge. In her spare time, you can find her at a local spin class or reading the latest publications on balanced and restorative justice.
Community Advocate, Standing with Survivors Program
Jill Schirling-Allison graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in human services. Jill has been working in the domestic violence/sexual assault field for over ten years, in several counties including Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, Douglas and Paulding. Jill also has experience working with clients to regain custody of children removed by the DFACS system. Jill Schirling-Allison latest role was as the Managing Legal Advocate for the Partnership Against Domestic Violence in Fulton, where she co-ran the Safe Families office in the Fulton County Courthouse. Jill is also the former Co-chair of the Fulton County family Violence Task Force.
Social Worker, Safe and Stable Families Project
Courtney is a social worker in the Safe Families Office, connecting survivors of intimate partner violence with resources and support during the initial stages of a survivor obtaining a temporary protective order.
Courtney has resided in Atlanta for the past 10 years after she came to the city to obtain her Bachelor’s of Psychology from Georgia State University. From there, she was connected to the cause of supporting domestic violence survivors via research studies conducted on the connection between drinking and intimate partner violence. Courtney became an avid volunteer and as a result became enmeshed with advocacy and support for survivors including specializing in crisis call prevention services. Courtney returned to school with a zest for advocacy and graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from Georgia State University. Shortly afterward, Courtney obtained her licensure as an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker).
Courtney has spent time in several states due to her service as a combat camera photographer in the U.S. Army. Courtney enjoys making candles, creating DIY crafts, and reading in her spare time.
Paralegal, Family Law Program
Andrea moved to Atlanta in 1985 and attended St. Pius High School before attending Georgia State University and Valdosta State University.
Andrea has worked in the legal field since 2002 with a focus on family law since 2014, when she was introduced to AVLF as a volunteer. Through the course of her working career, Andrea always enjoyed and thrived on helping others and found her true calling in assisting AVLF clients as a volunteer. Andrea is extremely excited and honored to have the opportunity to assist in an even greater capacity moving forward as part of the AVLF team.
The majority of Andrea’s personal time is devoted to her 9 year old girl/boy twins. She also enjoys exercise, spending time outdoors (as long as it’s not too cold), and enjoying all that Atlanta has to offer – including festivals, sporting events and concerts. Andrea is a member of Saint Thomas More parish, where her children also attend school.
Community Support & Partnership
Director of Community Support and Partnership
Sonya Humphries is AVLF’s Director of Community Support and Partnership. This position emerged from a collaboration with Partners for HOME, a nonprofit founded by the City of Atlanta to manage the Atlanta continuum of care for homeless services. Sonya is responsible for administering emergency financial assistance to clients who are on the verge of eviction or loss of necessary services such as gas or electricity.
Sonya is a lifelong Atlanta resident. She previously served as Assistant Director of Advancement Services and Donor Relations at Georgia Piedmont Technical College and was Institutional Advancement Coordinator at Atlanta Technical College. She is a graduate of Atlanta Metropolitan State College and Atlanta Technical College and a proud Walter F. George High School alumnus. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, decorating her home, and watching Cary Grant movies.
Diaspora Support Coordinator
La’Nette Holloman a native of Syracuse, New York but has been calling Atlanta home since 2010. She is a wife and mother of nine children but her son departed his life early in 1996 leaving her with eight living children. She also cares for her niece.
La’Nette is no stranger to struggle becoming a mom at 13, overcoming poverty, foster care, abuse, her father’s abandonment, her mother’s mental disorder and drug addiction she knows that anything is possible. La’Nette is proof that it is not how you start but how you finish.
After being gainfully employed for many years she was negatively impacted by the economic downturn. She lost her job, vehicle, and subsequently her housing causing her family to become homeless. With only a GED in hand La’Nette turned to Atlanta Technical College to reinvent herself and to provide a better life for her family. Not only did she graduate with honors with a degree in Business Management but she became the TCSG Student of the Year for the entire state of Georgia and continued on to Clayton State University.
Using her platform, she has represented Atlanta’s disadvantaged and marginalized population on the floor of the Georgia Senate, The House of Representatives and in the office of Former Governor Nathan Deal. Her past personal experiences has fueled her passion to help others overcome the barriers that keep them from obtaining stability and success.
Diaspora Support Advocate
Senior Diaspora Support Advocate
Shamyya – also known as “Mya” – is the Senior Diaspora Support Advocate. She was a Community Advocate at Thomasville Heights Elementary School for AVLF’s Standing With Our Neighbors™ program.
As a native of Atlanta, Mya has been an advocate for children and families for over ten years, serving in low-income communities. She is committed to and passionate about enlightening, educating, and supporting her community. Mya is dedicated to being a voice – and an agent of change – for the people.
Mya is a devoted mother to her four-year-old high-energy son, Karter. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her family.
Administration
Executive Director
Michael became AVLF’s Deputy Director in January 2014, and stepped into the role of Executive Director in 2020. Previously, he served as the Director of Housing and Consumer Programs, managing a variety of programs that provide legal representation to low-income individuals. He litigated in the areas of landlord-tenant law, unpaid wages, debt-defense, and debt collection.
Michael came to AVLF after working as a staff attorney for the Georgia Legal Services Program, representing low-income Georgians in a variety of civil matters. Prior to coming to Georgia, Michael was a fellow at Public Justice, P.C., a national public interest law firm in Washington, D.C. He also spent several years working for change in the Texas state legislature. Michael holds a Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from the University of California at Berkeley. He spent his final year of law school studying at Harvard Law School and clerked for the Honorable Catherine C. Blake of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in Baltimore before beginning his legal career.
Director in Human Resources
Takoya recently joined the AVLF team as the Director in Human Resources. She is originally from Florida but Georgia is where the heart is. She is a graduate of Georgia State University (GO PANTHERS!!!) with a Bachelor of Managerial Science, concentration in Humana Resources. Takoya has over 10 years of Human Resource experience. Bringing great HR knowledge and wealth to an already awesome organization. She has volunteered for local charities and organizations like PAWS Atlanta, The Georgia Aquarium, and Decatur Book Festival. Takoya keeps busy with her 3 kids, 3 dogs, being the team mom for a youth football team and a cheer coach.
Accounting Manager
Karen Frazier has a passion for business management. She offers more than 20 years’ experience in retail management and 15 years in the accounting field, working in both the private and public accounting sectors. Her professional interests focus on enhancing her organizational, time management, and project leadership skills. In addition, Karen has served as a Board Member for Metropolitan Housing Development in the roll of finance manager / secretary for 10 years.
Information Technology Manager
Annual Campaign Manager
Kyle is originally from Pinehurst, North Carolina. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a BA in Political Science, and prior to joining AVLF in 2021 as Annual Campaign Manager, he directed and worked on numerous political campaigns, ballot initiatives, and nonprofit fundraising operations. Kyle lives in Atlanta with his wife, Suzanne, and in his free time enjoys travel, reading, and playing with his dog and cat..
Development Director
Libby is originally from Columbus, Georgia. She has served the Atlanta non-profit community for over 20 years in various capacities after starting her career in the Press Office of Governor Roy E. Barnes. Now six years with AVLF, Libby has seen the organization grow from a $1 million to $6 million non-profit with over 40 employees (she thinks there were 11 staff when she started). She is a graduate of Clemson University with a BA in Political Science (Go Tigers!), and in her spare time, enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her pets. She lives in Decatur with her husband, Chad.
Grants Manager
Office Manager
Terri Valentine is from Philadelphia but has lived in Atlanta for the last 10 years. Terri attended Southern Crescent Technical College majoring in Early Childhood Education and Care. Working at an inner city elementary school in the city of Atlanta opened her eyes to seeing the everyday struggles of the children and parents and inspired her to help in other ways. That was the reason she joined AVLF, and she’s honored to work for an organization that gives a voice to the voiceless.
In her free time, Terri enjoys doing community outreach with her church, and going to the movies and bowling with her two children.
